Inline Functions
Normally, a function call has overhead. That means it takes execution time to set up the call, pass arguments, jump to the function code, and return. Reducing that time is one of the justifications for using function-like macros. C99 has an alternative, inline functions. The C99 standard has this to say: “Making a function an inline function suggests that calls to the function be as fast as possible. The extent to which such suggestions are effective is implementation-defined.” So making a function an inline function may shortcut the usual function call mechanism, or it may do nothing at all.
The way to create an inline function is to use the function specifier inline in the function declaration. Usually, inline functions are ...
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